Iron (Fe) Deficiency and its role

 

            Micronutrients are nutrients that are required in a small amount for human beings. Micronutrient plays a very important role in the normal functioning of cells in the human body. It includes all types of vitamins and trace minerals which are required in low quantity.  Malnutrition occurs when we intake fewer micronutrients which cannot fulfill our daily need for health. Among all micronutrients malnutrition, three micronutrients are commonly deficient which include iron (Fe), vitamin A and iodine. Malnutrition is solely referring to the deficiency of nutritional food in our basic diets.  There are two types of malnutrition acute and chronic. More than half of the world population is suffering from deficiency of micronutrients in their diet that led to Malnutrition and it is also known as “hidden hunger”.  In this condition, humans are unable to get the required nutrients that are important for the body's nourishment which leads to disruption in the physiological functions of the human body such as growth, resistivity against diseases, reproduction, and repair of cells. At a distinct level malnourishment has long-term effects, on children’s intellectual development. Undernourishment causes a severe problem particularly in women and toddlers such as morbidity and mortality. Problems due to malnutrition include high mortality rate, problems in pregnancy, low mental development, and physical health. It also causes less productivity of work in adults.

People of underdeveloped countries have low income and lack healthy food which is expensive. They rely on cereals and tubers to fulfill its requirement. According to World Health Organization (WHO) approximately 287000 women died in their pregnancy period and childbirth due to malnourishment mostly in developing and underdeveloped countries.

 

About 22 minerals are necessary for human beings. Iron is an important element for human beings. Iron is needed for the production of red blood cells in humans. This term is known as hematopoiesis. Women and children are more susceptible. It is also important in the growth, immune system, and also development of organism. It also plays an important role in the conversion of blood sugar to energy. In human body Fe also important for production of enzymes which are require for working of different process. Its deficiency effects oxygen supply to cells, if it is not present in our diet it leading to tiredness, decrease immunity and ultimately leading to death. The recommended Fe requirement for women is 0.06 g day^-1. About 63% of south Asia between 5 and 14 years are affected by anemic. Iron deficiency anemia is the world-leading disorder nowadays. Iron deficiency anemia decreases life and development. We have different methods to control this disorder and the need is to apply enthusiastically.